Waiting and Watching

We got a snow, sleet, ice, rain conglomeration (otherwise called a wintery mix, but I am tired of saying that phrase) this afternoon. In the later afternoon it changed to all rain. The rain melted a lot of the mix, so the roadways are clear but most driveways are full of that initial slushy muck. It is pouring out right now.

With additional heavy rains predicted overnight everyone is once again watching the local creek and stream gauges. Besides my unscientific personal observations regarding the rising of the creek in past posts, I have been told that the National Weather Service has a good site for watching the flood waters. Here is the link: The National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service. It shows the predicted height and crest of the flood waters. It makes it easier for the layperson to interpret the gauge readings.

Right now there is a flood warning for Ulster County. So I am keeping an eye on the Esopus Creek, and the Woodland Valley and Stony Clove streams. The Stony Clove is important because it was the overflow from that which caused the two floods in Phoneicia last fall.

So far all is well in the valley though. It is raining like crazy but Woodland Valley Road was clear when I came home just now. The power and phone have been working fine all day. I will keep you posted.